Problem: Which of the following are persuasive definitions? How can you tell that the definition is persuasive, and what an attitude is the speaker trying to change? Note: Not all statements offer definitions. If a statement does not explicitly or implicitly propose a definition, then it cannot constitute a persuasive definition.
a) Mathematics is nothing but the substitution of one meaningless expression for another, according to rigid rules of procedure.
b) I shall mean by total institution an institution such as an asylum or prison in which there are physical barriers preventing the free departure of inmates and free entry of visitors. (Adapted from sociologist Erving Goffman.)
c) This report is nothing but propaganda. Genuine information would tell us what is wrong with the government's policies.